HADDEX DES OBEAUX is one of my horses to follow this season and I would have to be very sweet on his chance tomorrow in what could be his last run in a handicap. A progressive novice last season, he clearly relishes soft ground based on his dominant Warwick success so the drying ground will test his qualities for sure. However, he is trained by one of the best trainers in this division and if Gary Moore speaks highly about a 2 mile chaser then you should really take note. He really likes this fellow and I'm sure he will have him primed on his return. The 3/1 currently about him could look quite tasty come the finishing post.
Another horse who looks primed to strike tomorrow is LORD ACCORD who bids to defend his crown in the 3m mile handicap chase. Neil Mulholland has a great record around here and knows how to ready one for a specific race. A recent spin over hurdles will have put him spot on for this and given he seemed to be at his best last Autumn on good ground, the drying weather has certainly aided his chance.
The Pertemps qualifier looks a minefield as per usual but I do think WILLASTON has been overlooked given one bad performance last time out. Recent wind surgery suggests he may have had a genuine excuse that day but his form prior to that was the form of a progressive type who should relish this three mile trip around Cheltenham. He narrowly prevailed over 2m 4f here in April before going on to Haydock and securing a valuable three mile handicap there. That course form here I think is quite strong and with the step up to three miles sure to bring about further improvement I think he is the value bet at 25/1.
Cheltenham 1.15 – Haddex Des Obeaux
Cheltenham 2.25 – Lord Accord
Cheltenham 3.00 – Willaston
